The Pharisee and the Publican- 08/20/09 10:40:09 PM
LUKE:17
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
The term publican here is not referring to a Political party or sect , but to the profession of tax collection. The tax collectors were know in the Israeli culture under the domination of Rome as a cowardly dishonest lot of thieves. They were stereo typed in the same way that some Americans consider all politicians to be crooked. Sometimes it was true sometimes it was not.
In order to keep their social status Pharisees would not give a publican the time of day. Jesus was so unlike them.
One the Lord's own inner circle of twelve was a publican, named Mathew who was used by the Holy Spirit to bring the Gospel of Mathew into existence. I do believe God has a sense of humor. He used someone who the religious community of the day would consider a low-life to establish Holy scripture.
God does not see like man does. Men count things as worthless, and God sees eternal value in those things.
The Lord came to restore that which was lost, this actually included all the Pharisees, even though there were only a few of them that allowed their pride to be broken so that they may be saved.
The heart of God concerning man, manifested in Messiah is one that desires to gather men under his wings like a mother hen gathers her chicks.
God's way of gathering men onto himself is through the finished work of the Cross. Christ suffered and died for our sin, in effect taking on himself the penalty of our sin, and experiencing our separation from God, so that we may enjoy the strength and joy of the Son's fellowship with the Father.
The greatest wall that the Devil tries build between God and man is that of pride, this is illustrated in this verse;
Luke 17:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
This portion of the verse in the original Greek mean literally that he prayed regarding himself. Praying out of a heart of pride is always self centered, or self serving. In Jesus prayer in John 17 we see the heart that we should have in prayer, from one who is in perfect fellowship with the Father. Jesus prayed from a state of total selflessness as we also pray. With Jesus will of the Father and the needs of his fellow man came first. The heart of a man that is in right relationship with God stems from this attitude of heart not my will be done , but your.
Jesus was always in perfect fellowship with the Father because always submitted his will to that of the Father. Two can not walk together unless they be agreed, this is Bible.
[from the book of proverbs]
In order to be in fellowship with God we must allow God free reign in our hearts and mind to remove all things in us that he does not agree with, so that our lives may be in harmony with him, and become avenues of life giving water.
The Pharisee prided himself on his ritualistic performance to be in right standing with God, and in so doing he lost out on the one thing that is of true importance, fellowship with the Father. The Publican, in contrast acted in humility and confessed the truth concerning himself before God.
Luke 17:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
The publican was forgiven, his sin were washed clean not , because him lived a Holy life, but because he was humble enough to admit his sin, and his need for God's mercy.
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness, so that we fellowship with the Father in Spirit and truth.
God not only forgives us when we confess our sins, but he also gives us what we need to overcome them, so that we may remain in fellowship with him.
Romans 8:1- The law of the Spirit of Life in Jesus Christ has set me free from the law of sin and death.
After we are cleansed from our sin we must acknowledge the Holy Spirit of liberty with us. He the Spirit of God is given on to every believer, so that Christ may be formed in us, so that we can live free from sin, and in glorious fellowship with our creator.
Let me leave you with this encouragement when God deals with you concerning your sin do not justify it just agree with him, and repent and turn from it. God loves you and everything he does in your life is so that where he is at you may be there also.
Tags:
grace, humility, mercy, prayer, pride
Posted at: 10:55 PM | Add Comment
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